When I left on my journey nearly two months ago, I knew I would be pushed to my physical and emotional limits. And while the trip didn’t always go as I expected, I know I accomplished all I set out to–and more. When I rowed out of this harbor on June 15, my goal was to raise money and awareness for a cause very close to my heart. Over the course of two months more than $100k has been pledged to Recovery on water, a rowing team for breast cancer survivors that empowers women to take an active role in their health in the face of a devastating disease. The money we have raised and continue to raise will allow even more women to experience the healing power of exercise. Donations can still be made at row4row.org

On this journey, I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I set out from this dock a different person that I return. But I am not broken by what happened to me. I still believe that there are more good people in the world than bad. I still believe that life is a gift, even when it’s scary and unfair. I still believe that life offers us the privilege, the opportunity, and the responsibility, to give something back, even when people try to take things away from us.

I undertook this trip on behalf of the women who inspire me everyday–members of the row team who have chemo in the morning and come to practice that night. Women who look cancer in the face and take its power back. They continue to be my strength and inspiration as I heal. I know that I am not alone.

I’d like to thank all of you for your interest in me and my story. There are many people who selflessly volunteered their time for me, and I especially want to thank Brenda Janish and Mark Carroll. It’s amazing to be home. Thank you all for your support.

GO ROW!

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2 comments on “I got this. I did this. GO ROW.”

Jenn…I have not heard about you until today when I caught coverage of your return on CNN. As a breast cancer survivor I applaud your commitment and your drive! You are an incredible human being and the world is a much better place with you in it. You have inspired me. I wish you peace and I pray it comes when the animal who attacked you is caught and brought to justice. God bless you and you go girl! And now I will go and get some exercise…

I returned to your facebook page to make sure that you are supported and handling the overwhelming events from the last few months of your journey and I see that your doing fine.
I won’t ask how your are or how you feel about the assault because there is (from what you wrote and from your post) no need to worry about you. Once again you shine on.

Your story and your actions inspire only the good things in life, and I want to thank you on behalf of humankind and it’s path towards fulfillment and joy in life.